LGL3702
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 25 August 2025
The Role of Local Government in Realising the Rights of Residents of Extension 39
Introduction
Local government in South Africa plays a critical role in the everyday lives of communities.
Section 152 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of municipalities, including the
obligation to provide democratic and accountable government, ensure the sustainable
provision of services, promote social and economic development, create a safe and healthy
environment, and encourage community participation.1 The case of the residents of
Extension 39 highlights the ongoing challenges municipalities face in service delivery.
Despite promises of infrastructure development, the lack of basic amenities such as water,
sanitation, electricity, and housing demonstrates a failure to realise the constitutional rights
of these residents. This essay examines the role of local government in the realisation of
these rights by focusing on constitutional provisions, legislation such as the Municipal
Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as relevant case law.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
The Role of Local Government in Realising the Rights of Residents of
Extension 39
Introduction
Local government in South Africa plays a critical role in the everyday lives of
communities. Section 152 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of municipalities,
including the obligation to provide democratic and accountable government, ensure
the sustainable provision of services, promote social and economic development,
create a safe and healthy environment, and encourage community participation.1
The case of the residents of Extension 39 highlights the ongoing challenges
municipalities face in service delivery. Despite promises of infrastructure
development, the lack of basic amenities such as water, sanitation, electricity, and
housing demonstrates a failure to realise the constitutional rights of these residents.
This essay examines the role of local government in the realisation of these rights by
focusing on constitutional provisions, legislation such as the Municipal Systems Act
and the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as relevant case law.
Constitutional Framework
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, entrenches socio-economic
rights that are directly relevant to the grievances of the Extension 39 community.
Section 152(1)(b) identifies the sustainable provision of services as one of the core
objects of local government.2 The lack of water, sanitation, refuse collection, and
electricity in Extension 39 indicates a direct failure to meet this constitutional
objective. Section 152(1)(c) further obliges municipalities to promote social and
economic development, which is undermined when communities live without
essential services.
Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right of access to sufficient
water, while section 26 provides for the right of access to adequate housing.3 These
rights place a duty on municipalities, as the sphere of government closest to
1
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, s 152(1).
2
Ibid s 152(1)(b).
3
Ibid ss 26–27. Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 25 August 2025
The Role of Local Government in Realising the Rights of Residents of Extension 39
Introduction
Local government in South Africa plays a critical role in the everyday lives of communities.
Section 152 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of municipalities, including the
obligation to provide democratic and accountable government, ensure the sustainable
provision of services, promote social and economic development, create a safe and healthy
environment, and encourage community participation.1 The case of the residents of
Extension 39 highlights the ongoing challenges municipalities face in service delivery.
Despite promises of infrastructure development, the lack of basic amenities such as water,
sanitation, electricity, and housing demonstrates a failure to realise the constitutional rights
of these residents. This essay examines the role of local government in the realisation of
these rights by focusing on constitutional provisions, legislation such as the Municipal
Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as relevant case law.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
The Role of Local Government in Realising the Rights of Residents of
Extension 39
Introduction
Local government in South Africa plays a critical role in the everyday lives of
communities. Section 152 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of municipalities,
including the obligation to provide democratic and accountable government, ensure
the sustainable provision of services, promote social and economic development,
create a safe and healthy environment, and encourage community participation.1
The case of the residents of Extension 39 highlights the ongoing challenges
municipalities face in service delivery. Despite promises of infrastructure
development, the lack of basic amenities such as water, sanitation, electricity, and
housing demonstrates a failure to realise the constitutional rights of these residents.
This essay examines the role of local government in the realisation of these rights by
focusing on constitutional provisions, legislation such as the Municipal Systems Act
and the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as relevant case law.
Constitutional Framework
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, entrenches socio-economic
rights that are directly relevant to the grievances of the Extension 39 community.
Section 152(1)(b) identifies the sustainable provision of services as one of the core
objects of local government.2 The lack of water, sanitation, refuse collection, and
electricity in Extension 39 indicates a direct failure to meet this constitutional
objective. Section 152(1)(c) further obliges municipalities to promote social and
economic development, which is undermined when communities live without
essential services.
Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right of access to sufficient
water, while section 26 provides for the right of access to adequate housing.3 These
rights place a duty on municipalities, as the sphere of government closest to
1
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, s 152(1).
2
Ibid s 152(1)(b).
3
Ibid ss 26–27. Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
